She throws harder, he’s faster, she got picked for the squad and you didn’t. Every day in the team, you see what others can do. Comparisons happen automatically. The question is, what do you do with them?
When comparisons get you down
It gets difficult when you only look at others and only measure yourself against their best moments. Then you no longer see your own progress.
Flip comparisons
- Compare yourself to yourself three months ago: What can you do better now?
- Look at others to see what you can learn – not what you lack.
- Less social media before the game. Other people's highlights never show the whole picture.
Redirecting comparison
When: When you constantly compare yourself to others in training or on your phone – especially looking at squad lists or highlight clips.
- 1Remember who you're comparing yourself with.
- 2Ask: What exactly can the person do that I want?
- 3Turn that into an exercise for your next training session.
- 4Compare yourself to your version from three months ago.
Out of the game
A 15-year-old constantly compares herself to the back court player who made it into the selection team. She asks her how she trains her jump shot. Now they sometimes practice together after training.
Remember this
Others aren't the measure of your worth. They can show what's possible.